Dōjō

Dōjō

What is Dojo?

A dojo is a Japanese term that literally means "place of the way". ... The concept of a dōjō as a martial arts training place is a Western concept; in Japan, any physical training facility, including professional wrestling schools, may be called dōjō because of its close martial arts roots.

What is the head of a dojo called? The hierarchy of the dojo, a gym where martial arts are practiced, is much like a work environment. The leader of the dojo is called “sensei.” The word sensei is a term of honor that literally translates to “teacher.”

A proper Japanese martial arts dōjō is considered special and is well cared for by its users. Shoes are not worn in a dōjō. In many styles, it is traditional to conduct a ritual cleaning (sōji) of the dōjō at the beginning and/or end of each training session. Besides the obvious hygienic benefits of regular cleaning it also serves to reinforce the fact that dōjō are supposed to be 

A proper Japanese martial arts dōjō is considered special and is well cared for by its users. Shoes are not worn in a dōjō. In many styles it is traditional to conduct a ritual cleaning (sōji) of the dōjō at the beginning and/or end of each training session. Besides the obvious hygienic benefits of regular cleaning it also serves to reinforce the fact that dōjō are supposed to be supported and managed by the student body (or by special students, e.g., uchi-deshi), not the school's instructional staff. This attitude has become lost in many modern dōjō that are founded and run by a small group of people or instructors.^{[citation needed]} In fact, it is not uncommon that in traditional schools (koryu), dōjō are rarely used for training at all, instead being reserved for more symbolic or formal occasions. The actual training is conducted typically outdoors or in a less formal area.^{[citation needed]}

Many traditional dōjō follow a prescribed pattern with shomen ("front") and various entrances that are used based on student and instructor rank laid out precisely. Typically students will enter in the lower-left corner of the dōjō (in reference to the shomen) with instructors in the upper right corner. Shomen typically contains a Shintō shrine with a sculpture, flower arrangement, or other artifacts. The term kamiza means "place of honor" and a related term, kamidana refers to the shrine itself. Other artifacts may be displayed throughout the dōjō, such as kanban that authorize the school in a style or strategy, and items such as taiko drums or armor (Ō-yoroi). It is not uncommon to find the name of the dōjō and the dōjō kun (roughly "dōjō rules") displayed prominently at shomen as well. Visitors may have a special place reserved, depending on their rank and station. Weapons and other training gear will normally be found on the back wall

supported and managed by the student body (or by special students, e.g., uchi-deshi), not the school's instructional staff. This attitude has become lost in many modern dōjō that are founded and run by a small group of people or instructors.^{[citation needed]} In fact, it is not uncommon that in traditional schools (koryu), dōjō are rarely used for training at all, instead being reserved for more symbolic or formal occasions. The actual training is conducted typically outdoors or in a less formal area.^{[citation needed]}

Many traditional dōjō follow a prescribed pattern with shomen ("front") and various entrances that are used based on student and instructor rank laid out precisely. Typically students will enter in the lower-left corner of the dōjō (in reference to the shomen) with instructors in the upper right corner. Shomen typically contains a Shintō shrine with a sculpture, flower arrangement, or other artifacts. The term kamiza means "place of honor" and a related term, kamidana refers to the shrine itself. Other artifacts may be displayed throughout the dōjō, such as kanban that authorize the school in a style or strategy, and items such as taiko drums or armor (Ō-yoroi). It is not uncommon to find the name of the dōjō and the dōjō kun (roughly "dōjō rules") displayed prominently at shomen as well. Visitors may have a special place reserved, depending on their rank and station. Weapons and other training gear will normally be found on the back wall.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%C5%8Dj%C5%8D

How to Juggle

https://g.co/kgs/zEeBda

Thomas Kurz is the author of Flexibility Express, Stretching Scientifically, Secrets of Stretching, and Science of Sports Training and co-author of Basic Instincts of Self-Defense. He is the president of Stadion Publishing Company, Inc. and of Real Self-Defense, LLC and its division Never-Thought-of-It Enterprises.

Juggling: It’s Not Just About Multi-Tasking

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbWgG2NrcAA&feature=related[/youtube]

There are at least 8 reasons you should start throwing things.

1. Juggling boosts brain development. Research indicates that learning to juggle accelerates the growth of neural connections related to memory, focus, movement, and vision. The beneficial changes persist even after weeks without practice.

2. Juggling is egalitarian. It doesn’t discriminate by age, size, gender, or athletic ability. A ten-year-old is as likely to be a fantastic juggler as anyone else, something not true of marathon running, boxing, or drag racing.

3. Juggling builds hand-eye coordination in ways that improve reaction time, reflexes, spatial awareness, strategic thinking, and concentration. This helps improve confidence as well as athletic ability. It may, if juggling enthusiasts are to be believed, even promote reading skills.

4. Juggling gets you moving enough to increase your oxygen intake, not so much that you sweat profusely.

5. Juggling can be stimulating as well as calming. While learning more complicated juggling skills you rely on left-brain processes, carefully focusing and analyzing the steps. When practicing skills you’ve already mastered you rely on right-brained processes, relaxing into a more fluid, intuitive motion. To get the most out of juggling, make time for both.

6. Juggling puts you in charge, since you can make it as easy or difficult as you choose. Start with three balls and master toss juggling. To amp up the challenge increase the speed, add more balls, change patterns, or incorporate a bit of bounce juggling. You can also change props, learn trick juggling, try multi-person juggling, add comedic patter, heck, even hold a flaming torch in your mouth if you’re well insured.

7. Juggling teaches a growth mindset. You learn from mistakes, noticing how effort and increasing experience bring you ever greater mastery. As Dr. Dweck explains in the ground-breaking book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, this approach is a vital formula for success in school, sports, business, and personal relationships. Might as well learn it while dropping the ball.

8. Juggling is ridiculously fun.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDl15GEXZRQ[/youtube]

For more information, check out:

How to Juggle

Wildcat Jugglers

Internet Juggling Database

EXAMINATION OF PHYSIOLOGIC RANGE OF MOTION

Goniometry is the measurement of joint angles. The tool you will use to measure joints is a goniometer. There are many different types of goniometers on the market, but each has essentially the same structure: two arms (one stationary and one moveable) and an axis (fulcrum) that is surrounded by the body of the goniometer, which contains a measuring scale. The scale is usually similar to a protractor and calibrated in degrees. The scale can be either a 360° full-circle or a 180° half-circle. Goniometer arms range in length from 1 in. to 14 in. Use the long-armed goniometers to measure long bone joints such as the knee, and the short-arm goniometers to measure smaller joints such as the toe and finger interphalangeal joints. Goniometers similar to a carpenter level are called gravity-dependent goniometers, or inclinometers, and are used most often to measure motion in the spine (figure 6.2). Tape measures can also be used to identify lumbar range of motion if an inclinometer is not available (figure 6.3). Compare the measures found during the examination with previous measures or compare the left and right sides. Electric goniometers are also available but are usually reserved for research; they are more expensive and impractical for clinical use. Some of the more common goniometers are shown in figure 6.4. Calculate joint range of motion by measuring the angles between the beginning position and the ending position of available motion.

Goniometers similar to a carpenter level are called gravity-dependent goniometers, or inclinometers, and are used most often to measure motion in the spine.

Use of a tape measure to examine ROM of the spine. See chapter 11 for details on measurement technique.

Different types of goniometers used to measure range of motion.

Measuring ROM accurately requires precision, and precision is achieved through practice and skillful observation. In addition to thoroughly mastering the material presented in this chapter, you must be able to position and stabilize the patient and segment to be measured, appropriately determine the end range of motion, identify and palpate the correct landmarks, apply the goniometer in the proper position, and read the goniometer correctly.

POSITIONING

Position involves four factors: the patient, the joint, the goniometer, and yourself. Incorrectly positioning any of these items can result in an inaccurate measurement of joint motion. You should position the patient so the joint to be measured can move through its ROM freely, without obstruction, and so you can easily observe the joint. The patient should be comfortable. If you need to measure several motions, you should plan the sequence of measurements so you will minimally change the patient's position. For example, you should measure all motions with the patient in prone before moving the patient to another position.

You must also carefully consider the position of the segment to be measured, particularly when measuring active motion. A segment that must lift against gravity may give a false active motion measurement if its muscles are not sufficiently strong enough to lift through the range of motion. When measuring passive ROM, performing too many activities at the same time such as stabilizing the part, holding the extremity against gravity, and aligning the goniometer may lead to a gross error of measurement. You should document the segment's position during ROM testing when recording the measurement.

Positioning the goniometer correctly is crucial; if the arms of the goniometer are not aligned properly, the measure will be inaccurate. Likewise, moving the axis of the goniometer off the joint line will yield an incorrect measurement. The correct technique for goniometer alignment is discussed under Measurement Technique.

Finally, your position is just as important as the other factors in ROM measurements. Once you have placed the goniometer and ensured proper alignment, you must read the goniometer at eye level for an accurate reading. For example, if you measure hip flexion and read the goniometer in an erect standing position, the results could differ by several degrees from the reading you would obtain if you knelt down to read the goniometer at eye level.

Please refer to "Prerequisite Knowledge for Measuring ROM" and "Prerequisite Skills for Measuring ROM" for a summary of the prerequisite skills.

PATIENT STABILIZATION AND SUBSTITUTION

Stabilization is isolating the motion of the joint while eliminating unwanted motion from adjacent structures. You must stabilize the patient before measuring ROM or examining end feel to assure reliable results. Most often, you will stabilize the proximal joint segment and move the distal segment. You must isolate a joint motion to examine it accurately. If you allow both joint segments to move, true joint end feel may be inaccurate.

Moreover, if you do not stabilize the proximal segment, motion of other joints may contribute additional motion gains, exaggerating the joint's true motion and resulting in substitution. For example, if you measure shoulder flexion without appropriately stabilizing the shoulder, the patient can hyperextend the spine and falsely appear to have greater shoulder motion. Your knowledge of possible substitutions and an awareness of the patient's movement will assist in recognizing substitution patterns. Stabilization during ROM examination ensures a truer execution of the test and a more accurate result.

Occasionally the patient's body weight may prevent unwanted motion. Most motions, however, require manual stabilization of the proximal segment to prevent unwanted motion. You must know how to stabilize the proximal segment while simultaneously using a goniometer to measure joint motion.

MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUE

Goniometric measurement requires proper alignment of the stationary and moveable arms and the goniometer's axis (figure 6.5). Use bony landmarks to properly place these elements. Place the stationary arm along the longitudinal axis of the stabilized joint segment and the moveable arm parallel to the longitudinal axis of the moving joint segment. When using a 180°-scale goniometer, you may need to reverse the stationary and moving arms before the moveable arm will register on the scale. Align the goniometer's axis with the joint's axis of motion. If the goniometer arms are accurately placed, the fulcrum will be positioned correctly.

 

The axis is placed at the joint, the stationary arm is along the longitudinal aspect of the stabilized segment, and the moveable arm is placed in alignment with the moving segment.

Visit the web resource, video 6.2, for the range of motion measurement techniques.

To correctly align the goniometer arms, position yourself so your line of vision is at the same level as the goniometer. Checking both arms more than once before reading the scale also assures correct alignment. Often, you will align the stationary arm and then unwittingly move it again when adjusting the moveable arm; even highly experienced clinicians make a habit of checking and rechecking the goniometric arm and axis positions before reading the measurement.

Before measuring range of motion, you should explain to the patient what you will do. Take measurements at the start and end positions of the joint motion. If you are only interested in the end of the ROM, it is assumed that the start position is 0° and has been verified by visual determination. ROM examination is usually performed on the uninvolved extremity before the injured extremity. Performing the examination in this sequence provides you with an idea of what to expect when you examine ROM of the injured segment.

The final factor in ROM measurement is recording the measure. Some facilities use forms listing normal ranges of motion and you can simply fill in the blanks with the patient's measurements. If such a form is not available, you should record the date, the patient's position (seated, prone), the type of motion (active or passive), and the side of the body and joint measured. Note any pain or other abnormal reactions that occur during the examination. If the patient lacks full motion, record the degrees as a range. For example, if a patient lacks 20° of knee extension and has full knee flexion motion, record ROM as 20-145°. If the patient has excessive motion, or hypermobility, use a minus to indicate excessive mobility. For example, if the patient has 15° of hyperextension of the knee and normal flexion motion, record -15-145°.

Avoid using a visual estimate to determine range of motion. The visual estimate may be off and can easily vary among clinicians, and it is not an objective measure. Especially avoid estimating if you use the measurement to identify a deficiency, record progress, or determine a patient's readiness to return to normal activity levels.

See "Range of Motion Measurement Technique" for a summary.

Tags: More Excerpts From Examination of Musculoskeletal Injuries 4th Edition With Web Resource